SPEAKER’S OFFICE DENIES ‘MALICIOUS RUMORS’ HE SUFFERED A STROKE

THE office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Saturday denied “malicious rumors” circulating online that he has suffered a stroke and is confined in a hospital.

“These allegations are completely untrue and are clearly designed to mislead the public and sow confusion,” lawyer Lemuel Erwin Romero, head executive assistant of the Speaker’s office, said.

“Speaker Romualdez is in excellent health and continues to perform his duties with dedication and focus,” he said.

Romero said that the head of the 307-strong House of Representatives “attended several official engagements, demonstrating his active involvement in public service.”

The Speaker was in Malacañang in the morning for the signing by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of two laws — the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act. The ceremony was also attended by other House leaders and senators.

“The event was widely covered by the media, underscoring his active role in advancing these legislative measures,” Romero said.

Later yesterday, Speaker Romualdez participated in the yearend celebration and thanksgiving of the League of Provinces of the Philippines with President Marcos Jr., governors and senators, where the House leader reinforced collaboration with local government leaders.

“We urge everyone to rely only on verified and official sources of information and to reject disinformation that seeks to undermine trust in our leaders and institutions,” Romero said.